Chapter Five

.

The gathering draws to a close. People drift away from the communal fire and return to their homes. While everyone else spent the evening socializing, Ewar and I sat alone, content with watching the bats gliding around the night sky.

Smiling, Alie reappears and tugs my arm until I get the message: she wants me to stand. Ewar follows suit as we walk to the family's hut. However, he stops right outside of the hut's entrance.

I wave for him to follow us inside. "Come on. It's getting late."

He shakes his head and points to the hut next door. "Edani muin."

What he is attempting to communicate is not difficult to decipher.

Ewar won't be staying where I am tonight. He lives on his own.

This means I'll be sleeping among strangers tonight. I don't like it. Sure, Ewar is technically a stranger too... yet here I am ready to chew my fingernails to nubs over the fact he and I will be separated a few hours. It's kind of funny. I've been so dependant on him these last forty-eight hours, I got used to having him around all the time - except for potty breaks, of course.

"Bella!" Alie calls impatiently from inside the hut.

I release a sigh. Oh well. I guess I'll just have to get used to these new living arrangements.

"Goodnight, Ewar. See you tomorrow."

Leaving him behind, I step through the entryway and glance around. Arl and Ehmay aren't back yet. This allows Alie and me to prepare for bed with some semblance of privacy. She switches to a lightweight tunic, perfect for sleeping. She offers me a tunic as well, but I decline. I'd much rather stick with my modern clothing for the time being. Why? Because wearing a deer's carcass as pajamas sounds like the stuff of nightmares.

I watched Bambi as a child and still haven't gotten over the trauma, ok?

Alie chatters like we're old friends while helping me remove the braids from my hair. I wish I knew what she was saying. Afterwards, she fluffs up the bed. It appears she and I will be bunking together since there are only two sleeping areas in this entire hut. Layers of moss and straw are the mattress. Animal skins and furs act as sheets and blankets. Although the bed is primitive, it's still large enough to fit both of us comfortably. So, I really can't complain. It beats sleeping directly on the ground like an animal.

Alie gets in first. I slip in right after. She chirps a few more words - and before I know it - she's out like a light. Alone with my thoughts, I stare up at the thatch-roof ceiling, where dried herbs hang. Aside from the giant hole up there that's meant for letting the smoke out, this hut has a homey atmosphere. And the bedding isn't half bad either. It's warm and offers good support to my back.

Hmm. I might actually get a decent night's sleep.

Before I can drift into dreamland, a shuffling sound has me sneaking a peek at my surroundings.

Arl and Ehmay have returned.

They speak softly while taking care of nightly tasks. Not wanting to disturb them, I pretend to be fast asleep but watch them through cracked eyelids. Ehmay straightens up the living area and then tends to the fire. It should last all night thanks to her diligence. At the same time, Arl closes the entryway. There is no door in the traditional sense. An animal hide will shut out the elements. Arl "locks" the hide in place with the help of some expertly-knotted ropes.

Once everything is done, the two of them gaze at one another. It's filled with an unspoken, mutual devotion. I almost smile. It's comforting to know love isn't a new concept. It existed even during the darkest of ages.

With that uplifting thought in mind, I feel myself getting drowsy again. My hosts, on the other hand, aren't ready to call it a night quite yet. Arl and Ehmay have decided to show their affection in other ways. Before my very eyes, they remove every stitch of clothing from their bodies, crawl into the bed across the room, and start going at it like a couple on their honeymoon.

Help. I need eye bleach.

As inconspicuously as possible, I turn my back on them and retreat inside the safety of my mind. Blocking out unpleasant things isn't new to me. I dealt with a similar situation back when I lived in university housing my first year abroad. The room I was assigned wasn't large by any stretch of the imagination. And did I mention my roommate liked bringing over company to keep her warm at night? More often than I'd like to remember, I had to feign sleep while Irina "entertained" them only a short distance away. Our beds were so close, I could have given her romantic partners a high-five for a job well done (if I had been so inclined).

Fortunately, I was able to escape that sex den in the months to come. I moved to a two bedroom flat and found a new roommate. Although Leah isn't the nicest person you'll ever meet, she has never performed sexual acts while in my presence... so that's one thing in her favor, at least.

But look at what has now become of my life.

Here I am, trapped in the goddamn Stone Age, where things like privacy and modesty are unheard of. I'm dealing with two sex addict roommates instead of just the one. Though, on a happier note, at least Arl and Ehmay are quiet while doing the horizontal mambo. Irina always sounded like she was auditioning for a porno.

By some miracle, my mind blockade is successful and I fall asleep. Peaceful slumber doesn't last as long as I would like. I find myself startled awake by an earthquake. No, not an earthquake. It's Alie bouncing on the bed like a monkey. She stops only when I sit up with both eyes cracked open. Then off her mouth goes, saying so many words it makes my head spin.

The girl must be a morning person. Ugh.

If I didn't know any better, I would think her boundless energy came from an abusive substance. But since cocaine probably hasn't been discovered yet, that can't be the source. I guess Alie is just naturally energetic.

Heaven help me. I'd give anything for just one sip of coffee.

Ms. Perky drags me out of bed and feeds us cold porridge leftovers and some sort of herbal tea concoction. I notice right away that Arl and Ehmay are already gone for the day. They must have risen before the ass crack of dawn. Amazing. Their prolonged sex-fest last night would have exhausted most people their age. Hell, I only heard them going at it like rabbits and even I could use a couple more hours sleep.

Truly pathetic. No wonder I have trouble keeping boyfriends.

After our unspectacular breakfast, Alie and I head outside. In spite of the early hour, the Tupi... Bat... the whatever-you-want-to-call them People are wide awake and going about their daily business. Most are friendly when they acknowledge me. A few people are nervous, barely meeting my gaze.

And then there are the inhabitants who just so happen to be semi-nude.

Genitals are covered but headlights are on - which is understandable since it's a bit nippy this morning. As one lady smiles in my direction, her breasts seem to be waving merrily in the breeze. I'm from America, the land where Puritan values continue to be all the rage. So, I'm not sure where to look when confronted with public nudity. Should I close my eyes... look away? Would that be considered rude? Or, should I face the challenge head on and pretend I don't see all those nipples staring at me?

I don't know the answers to any of those questions. Only one thing is for certain: Based upon the evidence I'm seeing, wearing a bra is a must if I want to ward off future sagginess.

I spot a familiar face in the near distance. Ewar is sitting cross-legged by himself and working on something. He has not yet noticed my presence. So while Alie is busy chatting with her neighbors, I decide to walk over and see what he's up to.

That message never makes it to my feet.

One foot gets in the way of the other and down I go. I flap my arms like a chicken - as if that's going to stop the fall. Bracing myself for the inevitable hard landing, I am astonished when it never comes. A pair of baseball-mitt hands have caught me just in time. They set me back into an upright position and even pat my shoulder good-naturedly. I take in a calming breath before gazing up gratefully at my rescuer.

"T-thanks for the help, Mett. You're a life saver."

Mett smiles before strolling away.

Nice guy. Underneath the rough exterior and bulging muscles lies a heart of gold.

Back on my feet, I resume walking. I almost stumble again when I notice Ewar staring this way. He's making the weirdest face. Why are his eyebrows pinched together like that? Hasn't he ever seen someone fall before?

Oh, great. It's one million BC and I've invented clumsiness.

Whatever was going on in that head of his is pushed to the background once I'm standing in front of him. The way he utters "Bella" has me thinking he doesn't mind if I visit. My eyes drop curiously on to what he's been working on this morning. I purse my lips, mildly impressed by what I see

"You're making tools," I observe aloud.

Ewar fists a round rock in one hand and uses it to hammer away at a hunk of iridescent stone. Large flakes clatter to the ground like glass. I pick up one. It's razor-sharp, perfect for cutting through tough materials. Fascinated, I sit on my knees and watch him work. He selects one shard in particular and shapes it into a triangular point. It is attached to a long stick and secured with cord. The finished product is picked up by a third party. Jas examines the workmanship and nods in appreciation. The two men do some sort of elaborate hand shake before Jas walks off with the new spear.

I look at Ewar with renewed respect. "Is this your job? What was it called?" I think back to the tour guide script I memorized at the museum. "Um. Knapping, isn't it? Stone knapping?"

I don't expect an answer from him, and I don't receive one either. Thanks language barrier. You've reduced my life to one of assumptions and guesstimations.

Intrigued, I stay where I am and continue watching him work. He crafts a variety of knives and spear tips from natural materials. I notice him peeking up from time to time. A sly smirk gradually makes its way up one side of his face. He chooses another round hammering rock - plus a small block of stone - and sets them both in front of me.

I blink my surprise at him. "Oh. You want me to try my hand at this? Ok..."

I do my best at imitating his technique. It's a fail. I can't quite put the same amount of force into it. He makes perfect spear points every time. All I produce is a pile of stone dust and a lot of noise. It's really fucking frustrating. When I happen to look up, I catch him silently laughing. I give him the evil eye in exchange. This serves to only increase his amusement.

You know, he really does have a nice smile. It's sort of beautiful...

Without warning, that smile of his vanishes. His hand captures mine mid-air and refuses to let go. Confused, I look at our joined hands and cringe at what I see. Because while my mind and eyes were busy staring at Ewar, my hands continued working. I was this close to hammering my thumb to smithereens.

Really, Bella? Stumbling one second and almost smashing your thumb the next? Can you be anymore embarrassing?

In a snap, Ewar confiscates all the tools he lent to me. I presume this is so I won't hurt myself. The potential disaster averted, his head tilts to the side. An exasperated scowl crosses his face. He doesn't even attempt to conceal it.

"Don't give me that look," I complain. "You were the one distracting me!"

He and I engage in a stare down. Neither looks away. Our silent battle ends only when Alie wedges herself in between us.

"Mehur-mi, Ewar!" she chirps.

His startled gaze flicks up to hers. "Natta. Uēs aniyatt!"

She fires back a mouthful of words. Whatever she said has him grumbling in defeat. She giggles, seizes my upper arm, and hauls me away. Ewar is left frowning... or maybe sulking is a more accurate description.

I'm getting a weird vibe from these two. Is this sibling rivalry? It's like I am the toy and they are fighting over who gets to play with me next.

Alie escorts me over to a group of women. Many balance baskets or young children on their hips. Before we can reach them, a man steps in front of us. He falls flat on his belly and starts chanting in a sing-song voice.

Oh, goody. It's my devoted follower, Ichel, venerating the goddess he believes me to be. But, come on. A high priest of any given faith would say the way he worships is going overboard.

I try stepping around him, but he belly crawls wherever I happen to be. Basically, he's made himself a tripping hazard - which is dangerous when you consider I have a severe clumsiness disorder.

"Listen, dude," I say, barely holding back an eye roll. "Just chill. You don't have to worship me. Say hello or something and it'll be fine."

Upon hearing my voice, his dirt-streaked face lifts from the ground. I give him a stern look. Maybe if he sees how displeased I am, he will get a clue and start treating me like a normal person.

But, nope. He just breaks into an oafish grin and decides kissing my shoes is the better route.

Alie gives me a side-glance. It seems to say, "This guy is nuts." She and I share a similar opinion. I nod my head in agreement. In response, her normally sweet voice turns sharp as she shoos him away. Ichel promptly runs off with his tail tucked between his legs.

I'm starting to really like Alie. How can someone so small be so intimidating?

Now that our path is clear of religious fanatics, she and I join the group of women. A couple of them keep whispering back and forth, their eyes watching my every move. It's disconcerting. One is Essa, who the night before showed a great dislike for me even though I've done absolutely nothing to her. The other's name I've forgotten, though she does look an awful lot like Essa. Maybe she's a younger sister.

Ehmay moves to the front of the gathering and shouts for attention. The women line up behind her. Following her lead, we walk along the footpath and leave the village. At the point where the village's offshoot of the gorge merges with the main, we pass by an older man. I can't help but stare. Armed with a weapon but lacking his two front teeth, he lies partially hidden behind the same boulder Jas was using yesterday.

This can't be coincidental.

I conclude the village has only one entrance/exit. Nothing can get by without coming this way first. Posting a guard at the entrance adds an additional layer of security. These people must have built their homes here for this very reason.

But, what - or whom - are they seeking protection from? Considering the times we're in, the answer to that question could be any number of beastly horrors.

Brushing off that unhappy thought for now, I find myself enjoying the walk. Our destination is a spot where the river meets the nearby forest, a good distance away from the protection of the gorge. Trees sway in the gentle breeze. Autumn leaves are carried like kites. It's truly breathtaking.

However, I am the only person appreciating the scenery. Everyone else is too busy. Some women fish with crude nets. Others wash laundry, or fill baskets with fresh water to carry back to their homes. A few women venture into the woods for reasons I can only speculate.

Ehmay and Alie have their own plans. They direct me over to a patch of tall weeds. There must be hundreds of them. Each plant boasts leaves covered with fine hairs. Something about them bugs me. They're vaguely familiar. I touch one to see if it will spark my memory.

Ouch!

Alie rushes me over to the stream and forces my hand in the mud. The coldness gradually numbs the pain. Now that I've experienced its wrath, I recall the plant.

Stinging nettle.

The name lives up to its reputation.

After the cold plunge, my hand feels much better. I return to the stinging nettle patch and watch Alie work. She picks them without getting stung because she only touches the stems. I do the same, and soon she and I have gathered up arm loads. Mother and daughter begin stripping the nettles bare, leaving only the stalks. With that chore out of the way, their skilled fingers set about cracking them open. Strands of fibrous green are revealed and put to the side for safekeeping. Eventually, Ehmay addresses me.

"Bella, da asha nēmad ishimas."

Even with the language barrier firmly in place, I can tell her tone lacks warmth. I am unsure of how to respond. She looks up from her work to study me. It is a judgemental stare, and I know I am falling short of her expectations. She speaks to Alie next. After a short discussion between the two, Alie places a bundle of the nettle stalks on my lap. Her smile is encouraging.

Ok, I think I know what's going on. They want me to help out.

I try copying them. It goes about as well as when Ewar let me "make spear points" with him. Cracking open the stalks is harder than it looks. My hands are not used to this type of labor. And because I still have a cut on my palm - due to my run-in with the mammoth the other day - this chore is becoming downright painful. When a blister forms, I can no longer conceal a wince. Ehmay takes pity and points me in the direction of the stream.

Guess it's time to plunge my hands in the cool water again.

I pass near a small cluster of women on my way to the river. Since my mind is focused on treating my injury, I don't pay much attention to them... until my feet meet an obstacle and I lose my balance.

No one saves me this time.

With a grunt, I land on my hands and knees. Only my pride is seriously hurt. I look behind me and spy a certain someone's outstretched leg. Cackling confirms my suspicions.

Essa tripped me on purpose!

I rise up with as much dignity as I can muster, but it's impossible to hide my outrage. Essa's little friend group doesn't dare join in on the laughter. In fact, they distance themselves from her entirely. Whatever they saw on my face must have frightened them. And rightly so.

Fucking with a goddess is never a good idea.

Essa's amusement fades when she finally meets my unflinching gaze. That flash of fear is a balm to my soul. Bystanders have formed around the two of us, like an audience at a boxing match. They're probably wondering how I'm going to serve divine justice. Too bad I don't have the power to summon a lightning bolt. I suppose I will have to content myself with just slapping her silly.

Her frantic eyes search our surroundings. Once she spots a damp rock in front of her, she slides her foot across it while babbling idiotically.

Ah, so that's her excuse. Somehow she slipped and her leg "accidentally" got in the way... just as I happened to be passing by. What a coincidence!

Yeah, her story has about as much weight as the air inside her head.

But, whatever. This frizzy-haired bully obviously regrets her actions now. She's so scared at what I'm going to do to her, all the blood drained from her face. Lucky for her, I am a peace-loving individual. Harming her would be beneath me. Bella Swan will be the bigger person today. I am going to let bygones be bygones and let Essa off the hook this time.

Right after I do this.

I give Essa a saccharin sweet smile. Then I flip her off, because she fucking deserves it.

The crowd murmurs amongst themselves while eyeing me critically. Uh oh. Are they upset? Maybe using an obscene gesture wasn't such a good idea...

Just as I am worrying they will burn me at the stake for my rudeness, the unexpected happens. The onlookers join the fun. Middle fingers are flipped upward and shown all around in great delight, as though it's equal to a hand wave.

What have I done? Shooting the bird isn't supposed to be friendly.

I might have just changed history!

My injuries forgotten, I wander in a daze back to Ehmay and Alie. They are now turning those nettle fibers into cord and thin thread. I volunteer to help. They make the task seem simple, yet the tangled mess on my lap is all I can show for a half hour's labor. They give each other baffled glances whenever they think I'm not looking.

Yeah, yeah. I don't know how to do this either. I blame Ms. White, my high school teacher. She never taught us any of this shit in Home Economics.

I push away my unfinished work and exhale in frustration. Damn you, Alistair Tuddleston! He and his stupid museum ruined by life. He was supposed to only invent dumb shit that no one in their right mind would ever use, like polish for shining bald heads. Why did he have to go and build a time machine? Brilliant scientist my ass. Everyone knows time machines are nothing but trouble! At the very least he could have put a warning label on it. Something as simple as, "Caution: Sitting on this chair may result in life altering consequences." I sure as hell would have kept my distance if I had known.

Looking back on my situation, I see nothing but dark days ahead. The wooly mammoth destroyed the chair, and I doubt I'm smart enough to piece the splinters back together. So, what am I going to do? I can't imagine being stuck in this uncivilized time period forever. No electricity? No books? No chocolate? That's no life. There has to be some way for me to get back home.

Isn't there?

My thoughts swerve to how I inadvertently taught these people an offensive gesture. It doesn't sound like much, but what if it has negative consequences? Like in that movie, The Butterfly Effect. One tiny change to the past may impact the future in terrible ways. Just me breathing this ice age air could potentially be disastrous. What if I carried a simple head cold and accidentally spread it around? It could kill everything standing on two legs that doesn't have an immunity. It would mean the end of mankind before it even made it to the bronze age.

I have to be careful. No more teaching these people things I know. It's best if I limit my interactions with them too. I'll be polite but that's it until I can figure out how to get back home.

That evening, Ewar returns to Ehmay's hut for dinner. It confirms they must be related somehow. When Arl enters the dwelling, Alie flips him off. He's bewildered momentarily. She helpfully chirps what must be an explanation of what went down at the river. Delighted by the tale, he turns around and flips me off too.

How sweet.

After we dine on fish and tubers that had been collected down by the river's edge, we all go outside. Other families have done the same. It's another cool, pleasant night. People either chat with their neighbors or quietly work near the communal fire. Arl greets everyone with a raised finger, which they mimic with very little coaxing.

Sigh. I hope this is only a passing fad.

Remembering my resolve from earlier today, I keep mostly to myself and merely watch the goings on around me. Ehmay and Alie use mortar and pestle to crush dried leaves to powder. I have no idea why. Every so often, people come over to say hello. When Jas saunters up, Ewar and Ehmay welcome him. Alie studiously ignores him. Only when he addresses her directly does she speak, and then it's only in monosyllable. It doesn't appear she cares much for his company. So, why does she slyly watch him walk away?

Ewar comes to sit beside me. He tries persuading me to talk - for what reason I can't say. It's not like we can understand each other. When his effort proves to be unfruitful, he accepts that I want to be left alone. He turns his attention to his work. I assume he will be making more spear points.

I am wrong.

The small piece of ivory he handles is too precious to waste on a weapon. Ewar carves and polishes it into something extraordinary. The body of a mammoth slowly comes to life. Despite the primitive style, he captures its power and hulking presence with ease.

In awe, I reach for the fertility goddess pendant dangling around his neck. He always wears it close to his heart. The craftsmanship is equally flawless. It can only mean...

"Did you make this too?" I point at the goddess, then the mammoth.

To answer my question, he pours the contents of his belt pouch into my hands. There's a variety of animals, a couple of faceless humanoids, and one that appears to be half bear and half man. Although I still don't understand why the people are depicted without a face, all possess a striking beauty.

"Huh. A weapon maker and a sculptor." I breathe out a soft laugh. "Aren't you just a man of all trades?"

His smile is incandescent.

00000000000000000000

The next two days play out much the same. I contribute next to nothing thanks to my ignorance, yet most people continue treating me with great respect. The exception is Essa. She still throws me sour looks sometimes - mostly when Ichel is worshipping me against my will. Evidence suggests she has a thing for him and views me as competition. If that's the case, she should rest easy. I want him about as much as an STD.

Ehmay had a eureka moment today. Instead of asking me to do a chore that requires skill, she assigned a simple task for this evening's dinner preparations. All I have to do is crack hazelnuts for her. Sure, it's so easy a kid could do it, but I'm fucking thrilled. I can finally say I did something that won't end with me bleeding at some point.

Hopefully.

Alie and I sit on a log outside while we work. We're halfway done when a shrill, fluctuating whistle echoes along the gorge.

Mayhem breaks loose.

People drop what they are doing and snatch up their children. Amid the confusion, I spy Ewar. The instant after he locates me with his eyes, he runs over and fires off a barrage of words at Alie. An argument ensues between the two.

Their disagreement ends with them both shedding clothes.

Ewar shoves his tunic over my head, leaving him shirtless. Alie's fur cloak is laid over my lap like a blanket. Every inch of my blouse and jeans are covered. She goes one step further and musses up my hair.

"Hey! What the hell are you guys doing? I'm not ready for a caveman makeover."

Ewar drops down to sit on his haunches, eyes blazing. "Hinkan cen, Bella. Hinkan!"

"And what's that supposed to mean?!"

A cacophony of voices and stomping of feet interrupt us. Ewar's finger presses deliberately to my lips.

"Shh!"

He positions himself in front of Alie and me, allowing only a sliver of space to see anything other than his back. Seconds later, a group of people I don't recognize come marching down the footpath. They number no more than ten. Tagging along behind them is Mett, who acted as guard today. Based on the grim expression on his face, I'm guessing he isn't happy at their arrival.

It hits me. The person who whistled was him. Mett gave us a warning, a signal that these new people were coming.

Viewed as a whole, they don't seem as civilized as the Bat People. For example, hygiene isn't a top priority with these folks. Hair is unkempt and bodies are far from clean. I can almost see the stink lines from here. A wrinkled man is the first in line. In spite of his advanced age, he walks with a commanding gait. Red paint is streaked across his forehead and cheeks, accentuating his fearsome scowl. He must be their leader.

The next in line is a younger man. His facial decorations are less elaborate but just as intimidating. For some reason I can't fathom, he worries me more than the leader. His eyes appraise everything with a cold arrogance. I can't shake the feeling a snake has just slithered into the community.

Alie takes my hand and squeezes it. She's as unsettled by these guys as I am.

Arl sets out to meet the newcomers. He has added several strands of brightly colored beads around his neck. I assume the necklace is a visual display of his authority. Normally, he is a kind, open man. He's been nothing but welcoming to me from the get go. Yet he is behaving differently this evening. His posture is stiff and he bears no smile. And just as I think the tension can't rise any higher, he greets the visitors with a double-barrelled finger flip.

It takes every ounce of control not to laugh my ass off.

The two leaders engage in a short discussion. At its conclusion, Arl motions for them to sit.

He has invited them for dinner.

The community bands together to feed their guests. Ehmay donates a hunk of meat and some hazelnuts. Other families give what they can. Oza delivers a bowl of mushrooms. Even heavily pregnant, she turns heads. One of the visiting men is quick to notice her beauty and takes advantage while her back is turned. With a leer, he goes to grab her. Mett rushes over to claim Oza before the creep can lay a finger on his wife's body. The man backs off, raising his hands in defeat. Nevertheless, his brown-toothed grin suggests he finds amusement in their discomfort.

After much gentle coaxing, Ehmay convinces Ewar to relinquish his post and sit. He does so, but insists on squeezing in between Alie and me on the small log. The three of us mostly pick at our food instead of eating. I suppose our appetites are being negatively affected by the goings-on of our savage dinner guests. Frankly, they make me sick. They have descended on the food we gave like a pack of lions.

Let me rephrase that.

The adult men eat first, grease dripping from their chins. The women and adolescents are made to stand there and watch. I suppose whatever food is left after the pigs have indulged will have to be enough to fill their bellies.

The guy who reminds me of a snake flags down a woman belonging to his tribe. She lowers her head submissively and shuffles over to him. Snake-Eyes barks at her, waving a hand toward the bag at his feet. Nodding, she pulls out a cup from his bag and attempts handing it to him. When he doesn't take it after a fair amount of time, she meets his eyes. His temper flares, for reasons I have no hope of ever understanding. Lightning fast, he seizes her by the hair and compounds the insult by shoving her face-first to the ground.

His friends laugh. I am proud to say not a single member of the Bat People joins in.

Arl frowns deeply at what just occurred and looks to Ewar. But Ewar's sights are focused solely on Snake-Eyes. His face is an empty mask, only his fingers betray his true sentiments. They refuse to stay still, ripping his food into the tiniest of pieces.

Snake-Eyes lifts his cup. The same woman he treated so brutally fills it hastily with water. What a strange drinking vessel. The color is a yellowed white. The rim is uneven, broken in places. Definitely isn't made of wood. Call me crazy, but it kind of looks like he's drinking from a...

My eyes widen.

It's a skull, and my guts says this isn't from an animal. This was made from the crown of some unfortunate person's head. No wonder Ewar and everyone else freaked when these guys showed up! They use human body parts as their chinaware.

Snake-Eyes passes the cup around so all the adult males of his tribe may drink. He invites Arl to partake also but is declined. Undaunted, Snake-Eyes walks up to the other men of the village and offers them a drink. No one takes a sip. Ewar is the last man to be presented with the cup. His jaw clenched, he promptly rejects it. Snake-Eyes seems to find enjoyment in Ewar's hostile reaction. He says something and smirks pointedly at Alie and me.

His smile drops from his face.

He steps into my personal space and flings my hair behind my shoulder. Ewar lunges forward, pushing Snake-Eyes away. But it is too late. Snake-Eyes has taken notice of me.

"Hastērz!" He turns to his people and points to his ears, then back to me.

With growing dread, I touch my earlobes. My earrings. He must have seen my fake diamond earrings.

Snake-Eyes and Ewar are seconds away from brawling. Arl comes racing over and speaks calmly to them both. The leader of the skull-drinkers joins the conversation as well.

Arl suddenly smiles in my direction. "Apā iwar Bella... tuk-ma sek Damara."

That last word ignites a inferno in Ewar's eyes. "Arl! Tēzzi zīk natta!"

Arl pulls Ewar off to the side. Their entire conversation is marked by Ewar continually shaking his head. While they work through their disagreement, I keep tabs on Snake-Eyes, and well... Let's just say he hasn't once stopped staring in my direction.

Arl leaves a sullen Ewar behind and encourages me to stand. He speaks slowly and deliberately, miming with his hands. Evidently, he is playing an impromptu game of Charades in order to communicate.

"Um, hand? No. Uh, dancing fingers? No, that's just dumb. You know, it looks almost like you're scrolling... Oh. You want me to take out my phone!"

I figure he wants me to show off the phone to the visitors. It's a request I don't mind fulfilling. I've kept it shut off the last couple of days. No need to drain the battery when I'm not using it. Once it's up and running, I hesitate. What should I "wow" everyone with today? The calculator? Nah, too boring. My choice is severely limited due to the lack of cellphone coverage. After a moment's consideration, I figure the camera should be entertaining enough.

I aim the phone at Snake-Eyes and his leader and press the shutter button. The click and subsequent flash of light causes them to nearly jump out of their skins. I turn the screen around. Confronted by their own image, they are left dumbfounded. Snake-Eyes recovers first.

"Damara!"

He charges toward me, arms outstretched. Before a scream can claw its way from my throat, Ewar and several of the villagers materialize in front of me. Weapons are drawn and ready to be used if necessary.

Snake-Eyes slams to a stop, glaring darkly at the men who dare threaten him. His leader tries placating him, but Snake-Eyes is too far gone. He's like a rabid dog straining at the leash, eager to be set free.

Gone is the affable Arl. Anger boiling under the surface, he points at the exit. The skull-drinkers leader nods his head in acceptance.

Thank goodness. Arl has told them to leave. I can finally breathe again.

Most of them quietly gather their belongings. But not Snake-Eyes. He goes on shouting, spittle flying with every word. Two men of his tribe eventually come up from behind and seize him by the arms. He is hustled out of the gorge toddler-tantrum style.

"Natta!" he yells, thrashing and kicking his legs.

Hours later, I lie safely in bed with Alie. She sleeps in peace. I wish I could do the same. I haven't once shut my eyes. Images of Snake-Eyes refuse to leave my head. His anger, his cruelty, his voice. He and his people left hours ago - hopefully never to return. Yet, his last words echo through my memories, sending shivers down my spine.

"Damara..." he howled as they dragged him away. "Damara e-wēs!"

00000000000000000000

A/N-

One day all of this will make sense. Sadly, today is not that day.

People who review are welcome to complain about how long it took me to get this chapter ready. Almost two months, yikes! I offer a thousand heartfelt apologies.

Thanks for reading. :-)